KT succeeds in video transmission via 5G network on highway

KT succeeds in video transmission via 5G network on highway

A KT engineer is checking video received through the 5G-SLT system in a car driving through a tunnel. [Photo provided by KT]

South Korea’s telecom giant KT Corp. successfully tested a new 5G network-linked media service ‘5G-Skylife LTE TV (5G-SLT)’ that will allow its subscribers watch satellite TV programs in cars without disconnection even in a tunnel or bad weather.

The 5G-SLT is a hybrid media service that receives TV signals using 5G and LTE networks as well as a satellite communications system. The service, developed by KT and its satellite broadcasting affiliate KT Skylife in July, guarantees seamless TV broadcasting and viewing in adverse network conditions like heavy rain, according to the company.

KT announced on Thursday that it succeeded transmitting high-definition video to a car driving on the Yeongdong Expressway, roadway passing through mountainous, eastern part of the country with many tunnels, using the 5G-SLT technology. It is the first time in the world to stream video on 5G network to a fast moving car on real expressway, claimed the company.

For the demonstration of the 5G-SLT service, KT together with Korea Express Corp. installed 5G network base stations and baseband processing units in the Daegwallyeong Tunnel 1 on the Yeongdong Expressway.

A car mounted with a 5G-SLT test system drove at an average speed of 100 kilometers per hour (62 mile/hour) on the Yeongdong Expressway during the test and successfully received TV signals through 4G LTE network and satellite antenna on a regular roadway then switched to 5G network inside the tunnel for smooth data transmission.

The company plans to run the 5G-SLT service for trials on the Yeongdong Expressway that connects Seoul to Pyeongchang, where the Winter Olympics will be held February next year.

The 5G-SLT is a service that consumers can have hands-on experience on the ultrafast 5G network and the successful demonstration of the service has provided a ground for commercializing 5G-based connected service like autonomous driving, KT said in a statement.